Lakota West put on a car wash to benefit Matt Stratman, Firebirds lacrosse/football player on June 16. Stratman has been unconscious since suffering a brain injury June 9(Photo: Thanks to Chris Kauffung)

In recent weeks the Greater Cincinnati high school community has been hit hard by a number of issues that have caused communities to rise up together. A serious, previously undetected brain injury of a young lacrosse player rallied those in West Chester, while the total loss of a baseball coach's home caught the attention of those in Harrison. Suddenly, scouting reports, summer planning and existing rivalries have been put aside and many are starting to understand why it's important to be a part of a team.

In a little more than 24 hours, the Lakota West community and lacrosse supporters gathered at a rally for the Stratman family. Social media spread the message and several hundred appeared. As the week went on, people donated signs, food and time. They also started a #StratmanStrong GoFundMe page to raise money for medical bills. Businesses lined up to hold fundraisers.

In particular, Lakota West students from various sports, along with teachers, coaches, administrators and parents, hosted a car wash. Complete strangers and Firebirds alike showed up to help and many cars left the parking lot after donating money (more than $13,000). No one discussed politics. No one discussed mascots. They asked for prayers and it was never specified they come from Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims or any other belief. All were welcome. The next time there's ever infighting in a high school or among high schools, perhaps a group therapy car wash is in order?

The Midland Redskins team made their game June 22 with the Cincinnati Future Stars (the summer team of Sowders) a benefit. Likewise, area churches, restaurants, banks are lining up to help with planned events, including car washes and bake sales. Probably several folks not from Harrison, from different churches and backgrounds will pitch in.

Harrison, which had planned on the Sowders Family Car Wash for June 22, has postponed the event until Monday, June 25. More details will follow.

Tragedy will continue to occur and we'll often wonder why. It's also tragic that as a general rule, it often takes a tragedy for people to come together, be courteous, considerate and supportive. We tend to want to divide in groups and anyone that's not in ours gets a label. Again, maybe sponges and hoses are the answer.

Twin Peaks

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The Schertzinger twins walk off the field at halftime of Summit Country Day's game with Mariemont May 13. Henry, left, scored the game-tying goal later with Harrison, right, scoring the go-ahead in a 14-13 win over the Warriors.(Photo: The Enquirer/Scott Springer)

Sure I've written about the Schertzingers of Summit Country Day before, but they are unique. Last spring, Henry Schertzinger tore an ACL at the end of lacrosse season and missed most of Summit's Division II state soccer title run. Meantime, Harrison Schertzinger took Player of the Year honors in soccer. As this spring's lacrosse season started, it was Harrison Schertzinger tearing the ACL, with Henry taking Player of the Year honors. Next up for hopefully healed Henry and Harrison is college lacrosse at the University of North Carolina.

Smart and Suter

Yep, I write about Brent Suter a lot, but I'm not alone. The Moeller/Harvard grad is just flat-out brilliant at times (and a decent pitcher to boot). He leads Milwaukee in wins and has even blasted a 433-foot home run off AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. A former substitute teacher in the Forest Hills School District, Suter visited the girl who caught the ball and spent two hours playing ball with the kids.

Not for a job, but for a look. Delhi resident Jon Surman has been selected to attend the Blue-Grey National Super Combine. Jon plays for Miami Valley Christian Academy and is entering his senior season He plays running back, tight end, defensive end, linebacker and returns kicks for the Lions. The Blue-Grey National Super Combine will be at FedExField (Washington Redskins Stadium) June 24.